Moses Itauma has already secured the date and location for his upcoming bout – July 25 at London’s iconic O2 Arena – but the identity of his opponent remains to be finalized. Among the names being floated is Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni, who has openly expressed his willingness to step into the ring with the Nigerian‑born fighter. Huni, fresh from a convincing points‑decision win over fellow Briton Frazer Clarke, believes a showdown with Itauma is inevitable.
"One hundred percent," Huni told Sky Sports. "I have a feeling that our paths will cross at some point down the line." Itauma’s most recent performance was a dominant display against Jermaine Franklin, where he showcased a rare blend of power and speed for a heavyweight.
The Nigerian‑American’s hand speed, in particular, has drawn praise and set him apart in a division traditionally dominated by raw strength. While Huni acknowledges Itauma’s quick hands, he also wonders whether he can match or even surpass the speed of the British‑based contender. "Only time will tell," Huni remarked, adding, "We’ll meet somewhere down the road." The Australian’s career has been on an upward trajectory since his late‑round stoppage loss to former WBO champion Fabio Wardley. Wardley, who knocked Huni out at Portman Road before capturing the world title, has become a benchmark for many up‑and‑coming heavyweights.
Huni sees his defeat as a learning experience rather than a setback. "It was a good challenge for me.
I took it on at short notice, and all I could do was go out there and give it my best shot," Huni reflected. "Even though I was stopped late in the fight, it was still a win‑win for me." He admitted that the loss came at a time when he was not fully prepared: "I wasn’t at my best, I didn’t have a full training camp. The sky’s the limit for me now." Huni believes his marketability has risen since the Wardley fight. "I feel like my stock has gone up," he said.
"Look at what Fabio has achieved – he’s a world champion. I watched that fight, broke down what I needed to improve, and worked on those areas." He emphasized the razor‑thin margin for error in heavyweight boxing: "I didn’t need to commit to anything late in the fight.
I thought I was comfortably ahead, but he landed a clean shot and that changed everything. In heavyweight – or any weight class – you can’t afford to switch off.
One punch can end it all." Beyond Huni, other British heavyweights are also being linked to potential O2 headline bouts. Richard Riakporhe, known for his power and aggression, could provide an exciting local draw if a fight with Itauma were to materialise. When asked about the prospect, Riakporhe told Sky Sports, "Anything is possible; we just have to wait and see what opportunities arise." He added perspective on Itauma’s current standing: "Moses is in a great spot right now.
He’s ranked very high, and there’s talk of pushing him toward a world‑title shot. Everyone’s on different trajectories, but he’s got a lot of hype behind him. People have high hopes, and it seems the promoters are strategically guiding him toward the top. That’s great for his career." The heavyweight division is entering a dynamic phase, with a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry youngsters vying for supremacy.
Fighters like Huni, Riakporhe, and Itauma each bring distinct skill sets – Huni’s technical boxing and resilience, Riakporhe’s relentless pressure, and Itauma’s speed and power. As the calendar fills up, fans can expect a series of compelling match‑ups that could reshape the pecking order. If a Huni‑Itauma clash does happen, it would likely be billed as a classic clash of styles: Huni’s disciplined, box‑smart approach versus Itauma’s explosive hand speed and knockout power. Such a fight would not only attract UK audiences but also generate international interest, given both fighters’ growing profiles.
In the meantime, both camps are staying active. Huni continues to refine his technique, focusing on conditioning and defensive drills to avoid the pitfalls that led to his loss against Wardley. Meanwhile, Itauma is polishing his offensive repertoire, aiming to maintain the momentum from his recent victory over Franklin.
The O2 Arena, with its capacity to host large‑scale events, remains a prime venue for a heavyweight showdown. Whether the main event features Huni, Riakporhe, or another contender, the British capital is set to host a night of high‑octane boxing that could propel the winner into contention for a world title shot. As the summer approaches, the boxing world watches closely.
The convergence of talent, timing, and promotional strategy will ultimately determine which fight materialises. For now, the promise that "we’ll meet somewhere down the line" hangs in the air, keeping fans eager for the next chapter in heavyweight boxing.